Small Business Today Magazine APR 2014 MONTGOMERY ROTH | Page 32

EDITORIALFEATURE Small Business Safety Begins With You                    By Dawn Haynes W hile I’m glad they’re finally over, I love the fun and festivity of the holiday season-the shopping, the parties, the presents.  And even though I always feel like the holidays are one big whirlwind, I like to take a little time during the season to reflect as I begin the process of refocusing for the New Year. Many of you have been in this process of refocusing as well, ushering in 2014 with a renewed sense of purpose, direction, and enthusiasm.  You’ve been evaluating your business practices to determine what is working and what’s not. It has almost become second nature to evaluate certain aspects of your business—accounting, sales, customer service, etc. for places to make refinements—but when was the last time you evaluated your safety practices?  When was the last time you actually gave them any thought at all?  To be clear, while things like security, violence prevention, and things of that nature fall under its auspices, workplace safety is much more encompassing. Here’s some food for thought - Did you know that something as seemingly insignificant as workplace incivility is impacting your bottom line in ways ranging from employee productivity to your health insurance premiums?  The good news is that you, the small business owner, can (and should) take control. To be clear, while things like security, violence prevention, and things of that nature fall under its auspices, workplace safety is much more encompassing. ed parking lot or garage at a time when NO ONE would see anything if something were to happen? 3. Am I in the habit of overloading myself with gear—computer, files, briefcase, etc. in my day-to-day travels?  If you’re not diligent in these things now, you’re just making yourself a much easier target.  4. Look at things you may take for granted.  If you work in or frequent an office building, are you familiar with the on duty security personnel, what services they offer, and how you may access them? 5. Does your building have periodic emergency evacuation drills?  If so, are you and your employees participating? 6. Do you have an accountability partner? These are just a few points to ponder to get you started.  We will devote more time to these and many other workplace safety issues in the coming months.  Start today by looking at your own Whether you are a solo practitioner or are re- practices and pick just one thing at a time to work sponsible for over 1,000 employees, small busi- on.  Over time, you’ll enjoy the cumulative effect ness safety begins with you.  So start with you.  of your efforts not only in your own life but also in Begin by asking: the lives of your family and any employees.  Wishing you continued small business success—safely! 1. Are the demands of my business placing demands on me and possibly my employees that may be unnecessarily putting our safety Dawn Haynes, the Toolbox Diva ™, is the principal and lead trainer for 2EmpowerU (formerly Fight or Flight Self Defense).  at risk?  2. Am I coming in early or staying late in a virtu- You can contact Dawn by email at [email protected], by at 713-298-6301, or visit her website at www.2empoweally deserted building and even more desert- phone rU.net. 30 SMALL BUSINESS TODAY MAGAZINE [ APRIL 2014 ]